Polaris trail mower

[First-light]

This mower was sitting in my neighbors yard for a year so I offered him 50 bucks for it. He upgraded and said it ran fine when he stopped using it. Tires need to be resealed but everything else is in working order. Here is the question: It will start

but only runs for a few seconds then cuts out. Was going to bring up carb cleaner and spay the crap out of it to see if that would work.  I was thinking if the spray doesn't work I'll get the carb replaced. Gas and spark plug is new and gas is getting to the carb. Any other suggestions?

[Pav2704]

Maybe something as simple as the air filter? I just changed it in my own lawn mower.... It was running but felt like half power. Popped in a new one and good as new. Worth a shot for 7 bucks.

[gfdeputy2]

Agree check airfilter also run some sea foam through it

small engines don't like sitting with ethanol gums up the carbs

I would get 2 cans of sea foam 1 liquid to pour in gas tank & 1 spray can spray in Carb start & continue spraying while running like fogging an outboard motor

I will not use anything but sea foam anymore for any motor

Edited June 26, 2014 by gfdeputy2

[MACHINIST]

Sounds like its gummed up to me also.Carb cleaner,do it a few times and let it sit for a little bit then hit it again.Depending on how long it sat get some new fuel line and re-run the lines in the system.Rubber fuel lines can swell when they sit for a extended period of time with fuel in the lines.It may seam like gas is getting to the carb but I would try feeding the carb and see if it still runs longer.Besides that take it to a mechanic and have the carb dipped and rebuilt.Nice score on the trailmower by the way.50 bucks if way cheap!!!

[thphm]

X2 on taking it in to a small engine repair shop, by now they all should know what to replace , Ethanol just kills internal carb. parts and fuel systems if left in for a long period of time.And don't go by that 10% sticker on the pumps it could be as high as 15%..

[Fishon]

Fuel filter?

[First-light]

I'll check all those things you guy talked about. If I can't get anywhere it will be off to the small engine repair shop for sure. Thanks!

[stoneam2006]

Try draining tank and carb bowls fresh gas air filter and plugs...small engines are pretty simple....also check oil some machines won't run with low oil as my MTD mower won't.

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[thphm]

My local Small engine repair shop said the best thing to do is to drain all of the fuel out of the tank and run it dry.after every use.He said not good for my business but it will save you money in the long run.

[burmjohn]

I also toss sea foam in my tanks, a heavy shot, so its all lubed up and protected till I start it next season.

 

[ants]

Most likely the carb, due to it sitting too long with the crappy gas we now have to use. I would drain the tank & carb sediment bowl. Fill it up with fresh treated stuff. I use K-100 or Tri star. They both seem to work well. Spraying out the carb might help too. Good luck.

[First-light]

I'll let you guys know how I do. Probably work on it Sunday-Monday.

[First-light]

Hey guys,

Well I had the carb rebuilt and it worked fine after two pulls! The belt that was on the machine always engaged the blades so I went with a size bigger. All good-Invested in the machine about $180 bucks and I have a trail mower.

[fasteddie]

Nice going ....... $150 investment was a steal !

 

[First-light]

Here is the trail mower attached to my lawn tractor. I have about a 6 foot cut!

[gfdeputy2]

Looking good

I just picked up 2 cycle country front mounted for $250 now just have to find a place that has spare parts as Cycle country was bought out by Koplin & did not keep the mower part of them

[bubba]

I found a local station that has non ethanol gas.  It is all Iuse in everything but my truck.  A little more expensive, but they start run and no problems. 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I found a local station that has non ethanol gas.  It is all Iuse in everything but my truck.  A little more expensive, but they start run and no problems. 

Me too unless I know I am going to run the tank dry. The stuff is a killer in small engines unless you use a conditioner for it, and that isn't cheap. The non ethanol will cost more but has more power and mileage and is much easier on engine components, especially carbs.

 

Use this to find stations in your area that carry NON ethanol gas.

 

http://pure-gas.org/

[Waldershrek]

Have you mowed anything taller with it?